Walkers put their best feet forward for Ironbridge Festival
A spot of rain is never going to spoil a good walk, especially around Shropshire's World Heritage Site.
More than 500 people are expected to lace up their walking shoes and take part in an annual festival.
The Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival is now well underway, giving people the chance to see the area from a new perspective, exploring spots that are inaccessible by car.
It continued yesterday, starting in typical bank holiday weather.
Neil Cartman, chairman of the festival said: "It is the ideal opportunity to see this spectacular landscape in all its beauty now. The bluebells are out and are carpeting to woodlands in a sea of blue, or there is the white of the wild garlic poking through the green.
"Now in its 12th year the festival is an ideal opportunity for everybody to enjoy this scenery.
"With 57 walks there should be something for everybody. Those who do not think walking is for them can start with a short 90 minute walk around the nature reserves in Madeley."
The event began on Saturday and will continue until May 7, with a number of six to eight mile walks and 15 to 21 mile walks for the very experienced.
Mr Cartman said: "Even for those who are cooped in the office all day we are walking in the evenings, a four mile walk in the countryside, two of which finish in a pub.
"The weather has been largely favourable apart from yesterday's rain and all that have been out have had a great time, even managing to get a sun tan."
The 2017 Festival will be marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, with a special 50 years of the Ironbridge Museums walk on May 7, taking in nine of their sites over five hours
Any walkers completing the 50 or 100-mile challenge during the festival will be presented with a medal to commemorate their achievement.
Following last year’s success, the social evening, hog roast and Ceilidh is being repeated on May 6 at the Victoria Hall, Broseley, starting at 7.30pm. There are vegetarian/vegan options and the local Devil’s Chair band will provide the music.
To book tickets in advance, priced at £12.50 each visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/330406; or, subject to availability, they may be purchased for £15 on the door.
For more information about the festival, email info@ironbridgewalking.co.uk or or telephone 01952 433424.
